Scondanibbio

I recently attended a concert on May 3, 2002 featuring a solo double bass. The concert lasted about an hour and a half. The concert was held at the University California of Davis music building. The concert had begun at approximately 8pm.

The concert was a special solo concert containing four pieces in all. The first is called "Sei Studi," the second, "Geografia amorosa," the third, "Alisei," and the fourth piece "Voyage That Never Ends." Obviously the concert was for Italian and used double bass.

Sei Studi was the first piece played. The piece sounded foreign to me. It didn't sound like any music I ever heard. I would describe the particular piece as very calm although somewhat active sounding. The first thing I noticed was the composer stood the entire time while he played. The double bass is a very large instrument, and his looked old. An interesting thing about the first piece was that he depicted unique sounds similar to scratching. Another thing I didn't notice was he didn't use any microphones or amplifiers to assist the volume. His instrument was strong enough and loud enough to work without a microphone. The room sounded so quiet any sudden movements would distort the music being played. He sounded scratchy with the bow, and sparingly high-pitched instead of using the bow left to right, he stroke upwards and downwards. He appeared passionate towards his playing. Some parts in the first piece became very exciting and fast paced. Eventually he set his bow down and then started to play with his fingers. Playing with his fingers created a very nice sound and just by watching the finger movements I appreciate music even deeper. The piece lasted roughly 25 minutes and the second piece shortly began thereafter.

The second piece lasted a shorter duration of time - about 10 minutes. He started off by repeatedly hitting the strings with the bow instead of stroking them accordingly. Interestingly enough, he would tap his instrument on the side with his bow - making a unique sound almost like a rubber ball bouncing. Soon the tapping ended and the third piece was underway.

The third and fourth pieces were rather interesting. The third piece was played so uniquely I haven't the slightest clue how to describe the music in words. I will just say I thought the third piece sounded serene and tranquil. The fourth piece was the most unique because the composer simply pushed all his notes aside and played without reading musical notes. Then he started lightly tapping the double bass all the way down and back up with the bow. Then he started getting louder and faster. Eventually the music's speed subsided and became more of a steady tempo. Shortly after, he began violently hitting the bow against the strings and one could hear wood hitting wood. His bow playing looked fairly complicated.

The concert ended roughly at 9:30pm. Although not many people showed up for the concert, the composer Steffano Scondanibbio put on a great musical show. I enjoyed his style and passion very much so. The double bass can make a great concert instrument of choice.